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Inside Spencer: The KSRL Blog

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Welcome to the Kenneth Spencer Research Library blog! As the special collections and archives library at the University of Kansas, Spencer is home to remarkable and diverse collections of rare and unique items. Explore the blog to learn about the work we do and the materials we collect.

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That’s Distinctive!: Demons, Imps, and Fiends

Check the blog each Friday for a new “That’s Distinctive!” post. I created this series to provide a lighthearted glimpse into the diverse and unique items at Spencer. “That’s Distinctive!” is meant to show that the library has something for everyone regardless of interest. If you have suggested topics for a future item feature or questions about the collections, you can leave a comment at the bottom of this page. All collections, including those highlighted on the blog, are available for members of the public to explore in the Reading Room during regular hours.

Continuing on with our spooky theme for the month of October, this week on That’s Distinctive! I am sharing select pages from Demons, Imps & Fiends: Drawings by Leonard Baskin. If you were around last year, you might recall that I shared Imps, Demons, Hobgoblins, Witches, Fairies & Elves – another work authored by Baskin.

The work shared today consists of 21 unnumbered leaves bearing drawings of various creatures. It was published by the Gehenna Press. Established by Baskin in 1942 while he was a student at Yale, Gehenna was one of the first fine arts presses in the U.S. Only 450 copies of Demons, Imps & Fiends: Drawings were printed, with Spencer holding the 116th copy. I was excited to pull this item because Baskin’s book that I highlighted last year was one of my favorites. There is something about his illustrations that pulls the viewer in yet leaves something to the imagination. Each illustration has its own quirks and character which I really think brings them to life. This volume is one of over 150 Baskin-related items donated to Spencer Research Library by the collector John C. English.

Black-and-white sketch of a male goblin in profile. He has a a large nose, webbed hands with pointed finger nails, and what appears to be a small tail.
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Black-and-white sketch of a creature standing on two legs. He appears to be covered or made of twigs or something of a similar shape.
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Black-and-white sketch of a face under a tall and pointed black hat.
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Black-and-white sketch of a small creature peeking out from inside what appears to be a large black coat.
Selected pages from Demons, Imps & Fiends: Drawings by Leonard Baskin, 1976. Call Number: D7425. Click image to enlarge.

Tiffany McIntosh
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This entry was posted on Friday, October 25th, 2024 at 8:00 am and is filed under Special Collections, That's Distinctive. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.